Fundamental Studies in Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics. Phase 1.
Abstract
The basic tenet of fracture mechanics is that the stress intensity factor, K, controls fracture and fatigue: here the former claim is critically examined. The underlying supporting argument - the original energy argument of Griffith and the more modern K-controlled region view - are considered. These considerations demonstrate that there are questionable assumptions in both, so that the viability of K as a damage parameter for fracture has to be established by the physical evidence. The first question then is whether or not the critical value of K, K sub Ic, is a material parameter: checking data shows it need not be. The second question is can the technology be usefully predictive, even in the most simple of situations: checking the data shows it to be unreliable in this role. At this time then, it remains to ask similar questions concerning the role of K in fatigue crack growth and, certainly for the monotonic loading case, develop alternatives: these are the objectives of the second phase of the program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 07, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA174493
Entities
People
- G. B. Sinclair
Organizations
- Carnegie Mellon University